Top contests of 2014: KV Thomas versus Anita Pratap

Kochi, April 8: The battle for Ernakulam constituency is a three cornered one: Union minister for state for consumer affair KV Thomas is contesting against Anita Pratap, a former-journalist, fielded by Aam Aadmi Party. The Left front is also in the fray with a former-IAS officer and former secretary to the President of India Christy Fernandez.

Kerala goes to polls on April 10.

2009 elections

Among the three, KV Thomas is the most familiar face with more than 10 years of experience in electoral politics. Ernakulam, in which lies Cochin - the densely populated metropolitan city - has always been a stronghold of Congress. However, in 2009, things were not easy for UDF. Thomas won with a narrow margin of around 10000 votes against LDF's Sindhu Joy.

About KV Thomas (UDF)

Thomas, who holds an MSc in chemistry, has a long standing experience in politics. He started his career as the president of ward Congress committee in Kochi in 1970. His entry into national politics was much later. He served as union minister handling the portfolio of Fisheries and Tourism from 2001 to 2004 with additional charge of Excise from 2004.

Born and brought up in Ernakulam, Thomas has lived a major part of his life in the district. That makes him confident about winning the voters' trust.

The implementation of the food security bill has a special mention at the UDF campaign as it was KV Thomas, who played a major role in its implementation.

However, things are not be as simple as it may seem. There is a strong anti-incumbency wave in Kerala, which spoils Thomas' prospects of winning. Many voters feel that Thomas visits the constituency only during poll season.

About Anita Pratap (AAP)

Once a 'star' journalist, Anita Pratap took her plunge into politics by joining Aam Aadmi Party early this year. In 1983, she became the first journalist to meet and interview LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran. The interview won her much fame and accolades.

She has worked with major media organisations like Indian Express, CNN, Sunday Magazine and India Today.

Born in Kottayam district in Kerala, Anita Pratap lived most of her life outside Kerala. But that she speaks impeccable Malayalam and her modest persona makes her popular in Ernakulam.

About Christy Fernandes (LDF)

Retired Indian Administrative Service officer of Gujarat cadre, Christy Fernandez is LDF's candidate in Ernakulam. The party leadership's decision to field Fernadez was met with stiff opposition from many members in the party, who said his candidature would not benefit the party or the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Christy is accused of being pro-Congress and allegedly, he approached the CPI(M) only after the Congress refused to field him in Kollam Lok Sabha constituency. Christy was born in Kollam and has been living in Kochi since long.

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